Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Tips for Visiting with Kids

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Looking for a fun, easy adventure to add to your Palm Springs itinerary? 🌴

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must for families—offering cooler temps, stunning views, and even snow at the top during certain times of year! 🚡

We visited with our four boys—and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences in the area.

From the rotating tram ride to the snow-covered trails and mountain views, it was one of our favorite adventures from our Palm Springs 5-day itinerary.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting with kids: how to get there, ticket tips, what to wear, what to pack, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time at the top.

👋Hi! I’m Katie, and I help busy moms plan stress-free vacations—without losing their minds.

Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned to embrace the adventure—and I’ll help you do the same. 💛

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What is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest rotating tramcar in the world that transports you up to an elevation of 8,516 feet in about 10 minutes. 

You start at Valley Station which is where you go through security, buy your tickets if you haven’t already, and load the tramcar.

Once you get to the top, also called Mountain Station, you will exit the tramcar, and you are at Mount San Jacinto State Park.

When you are ready to leave Mountain Station, just go back to the waiting area for the next tramcar and take the 10 minute ride back down to the valley. 

Pro Tip: Time your visit for sunset if you can. Watching the golden light reflect off the canyon walls was one of the most magical parts of our trip.

How to get to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Where to Park

📍 Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Use Google Maps to navigate, and be prepared to drive up Tramway Road to reach the entrance.

• Parking: $15 per vehicle (waived for local Coachella Valley residents)
• Parking tip: Lots fill quickly—digital signs will let you know which are full. The closest lots to Valley Station are ideal especially with kids
• Shuttle service: Available from remote lots, but inquire about shuttle hours if visiting later in the day.

Expert Tip: If you’re parked farther away, confirm the shuttle schedule when you arrive so you’re not stranded after your visit.

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➡️ Looking for the family-friendly accommodation in the the Palm Springs area? Read my review of our stay at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas with our family

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tickets

• Adults: $34.95 (includes $2 online processing fee)
• Children (ages 3–10): $20.95 (with the $2 online processing fee)
• Seniors: $31.95 (with the $2 online processing fee)
• Ride & Dine Package: Includes a meal at the Pines Café at Mountain Station. Check the current menu here before purchasing to see if it fits your preferences.

Tip for families: You don’t need to commit to the dining package—there are more flexible food options once you’re at the top.

Weather at Mountain Station

The weather at the top can be 20–40 degrees cooler than the desert below.

During our visit, it was over 100° in Palm Springs—and there was still a. little bit of snow at Mountain Station! 🥵 ➡️ 🏔

What to pack:

• Sweatshirt or jacket
• Winter gear (hat, gloves, boots) if it’s snowy
• Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
• Water bottles
• Sled (or buy one at the gift shop)

Expert Tip: Skip the sandals—even if it’s hot in the valley. You’ll want want closed-toe shoes or athletic shoes, especially if you plan to hike.

On our visit, we realized our 3-year-old only had one shoe when we got to the tram station. Yep—just one. (We later found the missing one back in our resort parking lot!) Thankfully, it wasn’t too cold, and he managed fine—but it was definitely a parenting moment we won’t forget. Lesson learned: always double-check those tiny feet before leaving the hotel! 🦶🏻

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What the Ride is Like

• Duration: 10 minutes each way

• Rotation: The floor rotates so everyone gets panoramic views

• Seating: Standing only (surprising but totally doable even with kids!)

• Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible

• Comfort: No A/C or heat, but open windows keep it breezy

• Fun Factor: Expect great music, laughs, and that “wow” feeling as you rise higher and higher

And if you’re worried about motion sickness—don’t be! I usually get queasy easily, but I had zero issues on this ride.

DISCOVER MORE PALM SPRINGS AREA ATTRACTIONS: Guide to Joshua Tree National Park with Kids

Things to do at Mountain Station

Once you reach the top, plan to stay for a while! There’s more to do than just take in the view:

✅ Observation Decks – Incredible photo ops and scenic overlooks
✅ Nature Trails – Ranging from short strolls to more challenging hikes (we did not personally do any hikes especially with our one-shoe child)
✅ Winter Activities – Snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing (gear available to rent at the Adventure Center)
✅ Natural History Museum – Small but engaging for kids
✅ Theater – Short films about the State Park and its history
✅ Gift Shop – Great for souvenirs or last-minute sleds

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Dining at the Top

You’ll find two dining options:

1. The Pines Café (casual cafeteria-style) – We ate here and loved it! Perfect for families with plenty of choices like pizza, nachos, BBQ ribs, chicken, mashed potatoes, lasagna, and more.
2. Peaks Restaurant – A more formal dining experience with stunning views.

🍽️ Family tip: Eat at the Pines Café and grab a seat by the giant windows—or dine outside at one of the picnic tables for a mountain view picnic.

🍹Mom tip: Want a drink? You can enjoy a cocktail while soaking in the scenery.

After visiting with our four boys, here are a few things I wish I’d known ahead of time—and a few surprises that caught us off guard. Hopefully, these help you feel even more prepared before your ride. ⬇️

What I Wish I Knew Before Riding the Tram

• There’s no seating on the tram—it’s standing room only (which surprised me!).

• Parking can be a bit tricky, especially midday. Earlier or later is better.

• The floor rotates slowly—a fun surprise, but it caught our kids off guard!

• Temps can be dramatically different at the top—check weather before leaving the hotel.

• Crocs and casual shoes were fine for walking around the station, but not ideal for trails.

• The food was way better than expected—Pines Café had great quick options for kids.

Tips for Visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

• Buy tickets online if available—especially during peak seasons

• Check operating hours before you go (they vary by season and day) ⏰

• Arrive early or later in the day to avoid crowds and get the best parking 🅿️

• Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather.

• Enjoy the moment—take time to hike, eat, and truly appreciate being so high above the desert floor

Final Thoughts: Is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Worth It?

Absolutely. For families visiting Palm Springs, the tramway is one of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have.

Don’t miss this attraction!

Whether you’re there for snowy playtime, sunset views, or just a cool break from the heat, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults alike.

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May you LOVE your adventure. KW